Portrait of a Father

Jairus: Portrait of a Father

Text: Luke 8:40–42, 49–56

Introduction

My Saint Thomas Baptist family and friends—

Today we rise to honor and celebrate the men among us who wear the title “father.” Whether by blood or by bond, biological or spiritual, God has graced our lives with men who stand in the gap. So let’s pause and give God praise for the fathers in this house. Let’s thank God for the uncles, the godfathers, the big brothers, the coaches, the mentors—the village of men who may not share DNA, but surely share divine responsibility.

Now, we know Father’s Day doesn’t always come with the same spotlight as Mother’s Day. The brunch reservations aren’t as full, the flower shops ain’t as crowded, and let’s be honest—the church pews might not be as packed. But that doesn’t mean the moment is any less meaningful. Because a father’s presence is powerful. A father’s voice shapes identity. A father’s faith can shift the future.

In our text today, we encounter a man named Jairus—a father whose love moved him to desperation, whose faith pushed him toward Jesus, and whose actions left a legacy. This morning, I want to lift up this theme: “Jairus: Portrait of a Father”—because in these few verses, we see the heart, humility, and hope of a godly man.

A Father Who Wasn’t Ashamed to Seek Jesus

Text: Luke 8:41 “And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house…”

Jairus was not just any man. He was a respected religious leader—a ruler of the synagogue. In today’s terms, he was a senior pastor, a community leader, a man of status and standing. But when his little girl got sick, titles didn’t matter. Protocol didn’t matter. His reputation couldn’t rescue her. His position couldn’t heal her. So he did the only thing a real father could do—he sought Jesus.

And he didn’t do it in secret like Nicodemus under the cover of night. No, he did it in public. In front of the crowd. With his pride laid down and his dignity dismissed, Jairus fell at Jesus’ feet.

That’s what we need in this hour—fathers who aren’t ashamed to fall at the feet of Jesus!

Fathers who lead the way in worship.

Fathers who pray without apology.

Fathers who set the example in their homes, not just by provision, but by devotion!

He didn’t send his wife. He didn’t delegate to a servant. He didn’t text somebody else to intercede. He went himself.

Oh, how our churches would shift if fathers led the way in seeking Jesus!

Real men don’t run from Jesus. They run to Him!

(Psalm 34:4) “I sought the Lord [on the authority], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

(Psalm 105:4) “Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually.”

(Jeremiah 29:13) “Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Fathers don’t just provide for your house. Pray over your house!

A Father Who Brought Jesus into the House

Text: Luke 8:41b–42 “…and begged Him to come to his house. For he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.”

Jairus didn’t just seek Jesus—he brought Jesus home.

We need more fathers who will not just acknowledge God in public, but who will welcome Him into their private spaces. It’s one thing to go to church. It’s another thing to bring Christ into your home.

Can you imagine the scene? Jairus says, “Jesus, I need You to come over.” And Jesus starts walking—with the whole crowd behind Him. That’s a bold invitation!

But that’s what fathers of faith do. They don’t mind the house being filled with Jesus. They don’t mind a house full of praise. They don’t mind their children overhearing them praying.

Jairus reminds us what Joshua declared long ago: (Joshua 24:15) “If it is possible in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you will live; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Dads, let your children catch you worshiping.

Let them see you reading the Word.

Let them hear you call their names in prayer.

Let them see that Jesus isn’t just a Sunday Savior—but He’s Lord of the living room too!

(Psalm127:1) “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.

(Proverbs 3:33) “The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just and righteous.

When Jesus is in the house, peace lives there, purpose grows there, and power flows there.

A Father Who Put His Child in Jesus’ Hands

Text: Luke 8:49–56

While Jesus is on the way, word comes: “Your daughter is dead.” That’s the moment many would’ve given up. That’s the moment some would’ve dismissed Jesus with a “never mind.”

But Jairus didn’t walk away. He stayed with Jesus. And Jesus responded with a word every father needs to hear:

Verse 50 — “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”

In the darkest moment of Jairus’ life, he did what real fathers of faith do—he put his daughter in the hands of the Lord.

When the doctor’s report comes back bad, put them in His hands.

When your child strays from everything you taught, put them in His hands.

When the situation looks like it’s over, put them in His hands.

That’s what Abraham did when he laid Isaac on the altar. That’s what the prodigal’s father did when he waited at the gate. That’s what Jairus did when he let Jesus enter the room.

And when Jesus entered that room, death had to flee. He took her by the hand and said, “Little girl, arise.” And the same power that raised her up is still at work in our families today!

Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

(Isaiah 54:13) “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”

(3 John 1:4) “I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living [their lives] in the truth.

Your child destiny is too big for your hands. Put them in God’s hands!

Trusting Jesus with your children isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom!

Conclusion: Portrait of a Father

So, my brothers—my fathers, uncles, godfathers, and mentors—what do your children see in you?

Do they see a man unashamed to seek Jesus?

Do they see a man bold enough to bring Jesus home?

Do they see a man faithful enough to trust Jesus with their future?

The world is watching. Your children are watching. And most importantly—God is watching.

So, stand tall, Dad.

Be the priest of your home.

Be the protector of your peace.

Be the prophet over your children’s lives.

And when the pressure rises, when the news gets heavy, when the future feels uncertain—remember what Jesus said:

“Do not be afraid. Only believe.”

And just like Jairus’ daughter—you will see resurrection in your house!

Celebrative Close

Let the fathers rise like Jairus—

Not ashamed to cry out!

Not ashamed to believe!

Not ashamed to bring Jesus in!

Because when Daddy seeks Jesus—

The house gets covered!

The children get healed!

The atmosphere gets changed!

Don’t you walk around like you’re a failure— When your Father in heaven calls you faithful! Don’t you hang your head in defeat— When Jesus is walking with you down the street!

He’s still healing!

He’s still moving!

He’s still raising!

He’s still restoring!

And if you keep the faith— Your child will rise again!

Somebody shout:

“I’m that kind of father!”

“I’m not ashamed of the gospel!”

“As for me and my house—we will serve the Lord!”

Amen.